GreenHouse plans to grow with new center in Deer Park

The GreenHouse Community Center is hoping to build a new home for itself in Deer Park.

It has launched a capital funding campaign to raise money for the new center, which could get under construction next year.

Organizers hope to raise $600,000 for the project, and will be reaching out to civic groups in coming months. More than $50,000 has been raised so far.

A newer and larger GreenHouse will provide additional space for services, including food bank, energy assistance, high school equivalence classes and counseling, CEO Susan Peterson said in a news release.

The GreenHouse also wants to have a larger space for its thrift store, which provides a revenue source for its community services, and for special events.

The GreenHouse is the largest community service center between Hillyard and Colville. It moved to its current location at 12 W. First St. in 2007 and now serves more than 1,500 people a month.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for June 19 at Mix Park with live music and a car show.

As part of the fundraising effort, the center is raffling off a vintage 1947 Ford pickup, with tickets costing $10 each. The tickets are available at the GreenHouse, Deer Park Printing, Deer Park Tribune and other locations.

Peterson is co-chair of the campaign with C.E. “Skip” Chilberg, of Deer Park. Architect Ernie Robison is designing the new facility.